Adelaide has sustained its unbeaten run at the start of the 2025 season, overwhelming North Melbourne with a decisive 17.12 (114) to 12.6 (78) victory on Sunday. Despite the Kangaroos’ efforts to keep pace throughout the match, they were unable to draw close, allowing the Crows to pull ahead decisively in the fourth quarter. This match marked Adelaide’s third consecutive game surpassing the 100-point mark.
The Kangaroos have struggled against Adelaide, not securing a win against them since 2020 and historically failing to triumph at the Adelaide Oval, although they will face the Power later in the season for another opportunity.
A standout for the Crows was Riley Thilthorpe, who has made a significant impact this season, netting three goals for the third match in a row. With nine goals to his name, he currently ranks equal second in the race for the Coleman Medal, just one shy of Gold Coast’s Ben King. As early-season injuries have sidelined other key contenders, the competition for the medal remains wide open. Thilthorpe’s growth since returning from injury last year has caught the attention of commentators, including Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy, who praised his physicality and potential to dominate in coming years.
Adelaide’s forward line, including Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker, and Darcy Fogarty, demonstrated impressive synergy, collectively scoring nine goals against North Melbourne. However, the only concerning moment for Adelaide was the rib injury sustained by small forward Josh Rachele, who was substituted during the game after the incident.
Looking ahead, Adelaide will prepare for a compelling matchup with Gold Coast in round four, while North Melbourne will take on Sydney next Saturday evening at Marvel Stadium.